Sheppey's most eccentric fund-raiser has been short-listed for the prestigious national Pride of Britain Awards.

Grandfather-of-five Tim Bell, 77, has collected thousands of pounds for the Kent Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance with a variety of gimmicky mobility scooters including a Second War tank for VE Day's 75th anniversary, a helicopter and most recently a replica of the new-look Sheerness clock tower.

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He was out in force recently with his friend Peter MacDonald, 83, driving his contraptions for the Island's summer carnival.

Modest Tim, who has a workshop in Scrapsgate Road, Minster, said: "I was gobsmacked when I heard I had been nominated and bit overwhelmed. The news left me both excited and daunted. There are so many other good fundraisers out there. It made me feel very humble."

He added: "I can't believe I have reached the finals but whatever happens, it will highlight the air ambulance. It is such a worthy cause and an essential service, especially for Sheppey. It is nearly always landing on the Island and helps all types of people. You never know if it could be you next."

The retired electrical engineer began collecting in 2017. He said: "I decorated my bike with lights for the Island's lantern parade. The following year I had an electric mobility scooter as I'd had both knees replaced so I decorated it with lights and collected for Cancer Research UK."

In 2019, he switched allegiances to the air ambulance.

Video: Tim Bell

At first, he fixed a model helicopter to the top of his scooter. The latest version resembles a compete chopper with a tail fin, rotating rotors and snow machine. All his machines come with powerful music systems which belt out disco dance classics, stirring marches or wartime songs depending on the occasion.

He has also created an automated black box boasting three meerkats which snuffle coins from a collecting dish.

An ITV film crew will interview him outside the Sheerness Tesco in Bridge Road, where he often collects for charity, today (Thursday) at noon.